Patents by Inventor J. Ireland

J. Ireland has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11742100
    Abstract: A depressurisation valve for a cooling system including a main chamber having a main valve, a pilot line having a secondary valve and a blowdown line; the main valve being located to seal a path of the coolant system of the nuclear reactor. The main chamber is connected to the cooling circuit via the pilot line allowing coolant to enter the main chamber, and the blowdown line allows coolant to escape from the main chamber, the pilot line having a lower fluid resistance than the blowdown line. The pressure of coolant in the main chamber maintains the main valve in a closed position, and under elevated temperature and/or pressure conditions fluid is prevented from entering the main chamber via a closure of the secondary valve on the pilot line and reduce the pressure from the valve, moving it to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE SMR LIMITED
    Inventors: Brenton D Shearer, James C Palmer, Benjamin J Ireland
  • Publication number: 20220406478
    Abstract: A depressurisation valve for a cooling system including a main chamber having a main valve, a pilot line having a secondary valve and a blowdown line; the main valve being located to seal a path of the coolant system of the nuclear reactor. The main chamber is connected to the cooling circuit via the pilot line allowing coolant to enter the main chamber, and the blowdown line allows coolant to escape from the main chamber, the pilot line having a lower fluid resistance than the blowdown line. The pressure of coolant in the main chamber maintains the main valve in a closed position, and under elevated temperature and/or pressure conditions fluid is prevented from entering the main chamber via a closure of the secondary valve on the pilot line and reduce the pressure from the valve, moving it to its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE SMR LIMITED
    Inventors: Brenton D SHEARER, James C PALMER, Benjamin J IRELAND
  • Patent number: 11521758
    Abstract: A depressurisation valve for a cooling system comprising: a main chamber having a main valve, a pilot line having a secondary valve and a blowdown line; the main valve being located to seal a path of the coolant system of the nuclear reactor. The main chamber is connected to the cooling circuit via the pilot line allowing coolant to enter the main chamber, and the blowdown line allows coolant to escape from the main chamber, the pilot line having a lower fluid resistance than the blowdown line. The pressure of coolant in the main chamber maintains the main valve in a closed position, and under elevated temperature and/or pressure conditions fluid is prevented from entering the main chamber via a closure of the secondary valve on the pilot line and reduce the pressure from the valve, moving it to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE SMR LIMITED
    Inventors: Brenton D Shearer, James C Palmer, Benjamin J Ireland
  • Publication number: 20210268715
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a 3D printer including a receiving surface for accepting the accumulation of material layers, and a gantry having a shaft and carriage that is translated along the shaft, and an extruder assembly that is articulated to rotate a printing plane, wherein the extruder assembly is attached to the carriage and the articulated extruder assembly is manipulated to rotate the printing plane away from parallel with the receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Matthew J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 11018097
    Abstract: Guard ring technology is disclosed. In one example, an electronic component guard ring can include a barrier having a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion oriented end to end to block ion diffusion and crack propagation in an electronic component. The guard ring can also include an opening in the barrier between the first and second barrier portions extending between a first side and a second side of the barrier. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbin Zhu, Minsoo Lee, Gordon A. Haller, Philip J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 10978386
    Abstract: Microelectronic devices with through-silicon vias and associated methods of manufacturing such devices. One embodiment of a method for forming tungsten through-silicon vias comprising forming an opening having a sidewall such that the opening extends through at least a portion of a substrate on which microelectronic structures have been formed. The method can further include lining the sidewall with a dielectric material, depositing tungsten on the dielectric material such that a cavity extends through at least a portion of the tungsten, and filling the cavity with a polysilicon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Kunal R. Parekh, Philip J. Ireland, Sarah A. Niroumand
  • Patent number: 10726960
    Abstract: A coolant injection system for a nuclear power generation system includes the coolant injection system, and method of operation of the coolant injection system. The nuclear power generation system includes a reactor pressure vessel having a reactor core, a pressuriser in fluid communication with the reactor pressure vessel, and the injection system, which comprises a make-up tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet. The injection system has an operating condition, and a fault response condition, and is configured to switch between these conditions when coolant level in the pressuriser drops below a threshold level. In the operating condition, the tank outlet is isolated from the reactor pressure vessel such that coolant is retained in the make-up tank, and the tank inlet is in fluid communication with the reactor pressure vessel and the pressuriser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Power Engineering plc
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20200194134
    Abstract: A depressurisation valve for a cooling system comprising: a main chamber having a main valve, a pilot line having a secondary valve and a blowdown line; the main valve being located to seal a path of the coolant system of the nuclear reactor. The main chamber is connected to the cooling circuit via the pilot line allowing coolant to enter the main chamber, and the blowdown line allows coolant to escape from the main chamber, the pilot line having a lower fluid resistance than the blowdown line. The pressure of coolant in the main chamber maintains the main valve in a closed position, and under elevated temperature and/or pressure conditions fluid is prevented from entering the main chamber via a closure of the secondary valve on the pilot line and reduce the pressure from the valve, moving it to its open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicants: ROLLS-ROYCE plc, ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING plc
    Inventors: Brenton D SHEARER, James C PALMER, Benjamin J IRELAND
  • Publication number: 20200194385
    Abstract: Guard ring technology is disclosed. In one example, an electronic component guard ring can include a barrier having a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion oriented end to end to block ion diffusion and crack propagation in an electronic component. The guard ring can also include an opening in the barrier between the first and second barrier portions extending between a first side and a second side of the barrier. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbin Zhu, Minsoo Lee, Gordon A. Haller, Philip J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 10532152
    Abstract: Needle comprising a polyarylene material comprising a polyarylene. The needle can meet all the advantages of metal, while avoiding its drawbacks. It has a high rigidity and ductility, and is excellent in penetrability and ability to hold a sharp edge. It is easily disposable and recyclable. It is non toxic and non irritant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jean-Baptiste Bonnadier, Daniel J. Ireland, Henri Massillon
  • Patent number: 10504859
    Abstract: Guard ring technology is disclosed. In one example, an electronic component guard ring can include a barrier having a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion oriented end to end to block ion diffusion and crack propagation in an electronic component. The guard ring can also include an opening in the barrier between the first and second barrier portions extending between a first side and a second side of the barrier. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbin Zhu, Minsoo Lee, Gordon A. Haller, Philip J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20190172596
    Abstract: A coolant injection system for a nuclear power generation system includes the coolant injection system, and method of operation of the coolant injection system. The nuclear power generation system includes a reactor pressure vessel having a reactor core, a pressuriser in fluid communication with the reactor pressure vessel, and the injection system, which comprises a make-up tank having a tank inlet and a tank outlet. The injection system has an operating condition, and a fault response condition, and is configured to switch between these conditions when coolant level in the pressuriser drops below a threshold level. In the operating condition, the tank outlet is isolated from the reactor pressure vessel such that coolant is retained in the make-up tank, and the tank inlet is in fluid communication with the reactor pressure vessel and the pressuriser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE POWER ENGINEERING PLC
    Inventor: Benjamin J. IRELAND
  • Patent number: 10121738
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming interconnects through semiconductor substrates. An opening may be formed to extend partway through a semiconductor substrate, and part of an interconnect may be formed within the opening. Another opening may be formed to extend from a second side of the substrate to the first part of the interconnect, and another part of the interconnect may be formed within such opening. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first part of a through-substrate interconnect extending partially through a semiconductor substrate from a first side of the substrate; and having a second part of the through-substrate interconnect extending from a second side of the substrate and having multiple separate electrically conductive fingers that all extend to the first part of the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Philip J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20180096955
    Abstract: Guard ring technology is disclosed. In one example, an electronic component guard ring can include a barrier having a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion oriented end to end to block ion diffusion and crack propagation in an electronic component. The guard ring can also include an opening in the barrier between the first and second barrier portions extending between a first side and a second side of the barrier. Associated systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2016
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Hongbin Zhu, Minsoo Lee, Gordon A. Haller, Philip J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 9884266
    Abstract: The invention provides a high-performance liquid chromatography system, said system is controlled in temperature by running a fluid in sleeves that surround the different parts of the system. All parts in contact with the fluid are made in fluoropolymer, carbon-filled fluoropolymer, or carbon-fiber fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: ORLAB CHROMATOGRAPHY, LLC
    Inventors: Nicolas Dauphas, Francois L. H. Tissot, Reika Yokochi, Thomas J. Ireland, Jingya Hu
  • Publication number: 20170125342
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming interconnects through semiconductor substrates. An opening may be formed to extend partway through a semiconductor substrate, and part of an interconnect may be formed within the opening. Another opening may be formed to extend from a second side of the substrate to the first part of the interconnect, and another part of the interconnect may be formed within such opening. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first part of a through-substrate interconnect extending partially through a semiconductor substrate from a first side of the substrate; and having a second part of the through-substrate interconnect extending from a second side of the substrate and having multiple separate electrically conductive fingers that all extend to the first part of the interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Philip J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20170121594
    Abstract: The invention pertains to improved proppant particles comprising an aromatic polycondensation polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of at least 120° C. when measured according to ASTM 3418 [polymer (P)] and a method of treating a subterranean formation using said proppant particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Brian BALENO, William W. LOONEY, Daniel J. IRELAND
  • Patent number: 9583419
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming interconnects through semiconductor substrates. An opening may be formed to extend partway through a semiconductor substrate, and part of an interconnect may be formed within the opening. Another opening may be formed to extend from a second side of the substrate to the first part of the interconnect, and another part of the interconnect may be formed within such opening. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions having a first part of a through-substrate interconnect extending partially through a semiconductor substrate from a first side of the substrate; and having a second part of the through-substrate interconnect extending from a second side of the substrate and having multiple separate electrically conductive fingers that all extend to the first part of the interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan G. Wood, Philip J. Ireland
  • Patent number: 9557376
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods can include a die seal between an integrated circuit region of a die and a periphery of the die. A via chain(s) may be arranged around an inner circumference of the die seal between the die seal and the integrated circuit region and/or around an outer circumference of the die seal between the die seal and the periphery of the die. The via chain may include a plurality of contacts comprised of conductive material and extending through portions of the die. Circuitry may be coupled to an end of the via chain to detect an electrical signal. Additional apparatuses and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Dennison, Kenneth W. Marr, Deepak Thimmegowda, Philip J. Ireland
  • Publication number: 20160233160
    Abstract: Microelectronic devices with through-silicon vias and associated methods of manufacturing such devices. One embodiment of a method for forming tungsten through-silicon vias comprising forming an opening having a sidewall such that the opening extends through at least a portion of a substrate on which microelectronic structures have been formed. The method can further include lining the sidewall with a dielectric material, depositing tungsten on the dielectric material such that a cavity extends through at least a portion of the tungsten, and filling the cavity with a polysilicon material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kyle K. Kirby, Kunal R. Parekh, Philip J. Ireland, Sarah A. Niroumand